I welcome the guests of Senator McCarthy - staff who work with AMC Removals - Kayleigh, Brenda, Esther and Bianca. I hope the Senator brought them for dinner and that they have a day off tomorrow. He usually does that for everybody he brings in

Senator Black and Senator Flynn are sharing time. Is that agreed? Agreed.

The Minister of State has seven minutes. I am conscious of time, so please stick to the time allocation.

It is rare.

I have three important visitors here today and will mention two of them in particular - Harris Devoy and Ava Neville from Leo Fitzgerald House, which is not far from here. The context for their visit is that I have raised the condition of the flats many times here. Between dampness, mould, rats and sewerage leaks, the condition of the flats is lamentable. That is not why Ava and Harris are here today, though. They are here because when we were meeting residents, they said that there was a severe lack of play facili…

Dartry gym, which is also known as Iconic Health Club in Rathgar, Dublin 6 is more than just a gym. It is a community hub that employs 35 or 36 individuals. The benefit of the gym to the local community is profound. It makes its facilities available to schools and sports clubs free of charge. Mental health groups such as Blueballs Ireland have had significant support from Dartry gym. Young and old use the facilities. It is a generous sponsor and supporter of various community projects. The problem is that the gym a…

I want to join the Cathaoirleach on sending sympathies to the extended White family. Mary was someone with a great vision, determination and energy. She did not put up with any chit-chat or guff. She got straight to the point. She was a strong republican, as is her husband Padraic. I would like to extend my sympathies to the White family. I want to propose an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 13 be taken before No. 1." I refer to the Planning and Development (Provision of Public Housing) Bill 2026, whic…

I move: That leave be granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to amend the Planning and Development Act 2000 and to repeal section 97(3)(b).

Next Tuesday.

I thank the Minister for coming in. The current assault on the triple lock by the Government is enormously alarming. It is even more alarming when we hear the powerful contribution from Senator Clonan, who clearly has knowledge and experience. He has, through an evidence-based argument, deconstructed the argument by the Government for the need to get rid of the triple lock. Almost all evidence points to the fact that most Irish people believe the triple lock is necessary and is an important protection to ensure our…

The Minister of State is to respond at 3.20 p.m., so we are tight for time. Three more Senators have indicated. I know Senator Craughwell has been on the list for a while. Does everyone still want to speak?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

Before Senator O'Reilly speaks, I welcome the guests of Senator Garret Kelleher from Scoil Eoin. I understand the students do not have any homework for the rest of the week after their visit to the Seanad and the Dáil. I also welcome the guests of Deputy Malcolm Byrne. At a rough guess, they will have to do their homework. I call Senator O’Reilly. I ask him to be brief.

I thank the Senator. His time is up.

We are under time pressure.

I call the Minister of State. He has ten minutes.

I thank the Minister, Deputy McEntee, for coming in.

I thank Senator Craughwell. It was the quickest six minutes ever. I call the Minister, Deputy McEntee.

I thank the Minister of State for coming in. Before he responds, I wish to acknowledge and welcome two groups of visitors from Wexford and Laois with the Ceann Comhairle, Verona Murphy, and Deputy William Aird. They are very welcome. Normally, school-going visitors do not get any homework, but they look as though their schooldays are over, so they will just have to suck it up.

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy McConalogue, for coming in.